You’ve been in a car accident. Maybe it was a fender bender, or maybe it was a serious collision. Either way, you’re shaken up and not sure what to do next. Should you hire a personal injury attorney?
The answer isn’t always clear-cut, but there are certain times when it’s definitely worth your while to seek out legal help. You may feel hesitant because it feels greedy or you don’t want to make trouble. But if you are hit by a drunk driver – even if you aren’t injured – it’s important to at least talk to an attorney.
First Things First
If you are in an accident with a drunk driver, the first thing you should do is call the police. It is important to get a police report so that there is a record of what happened. You should also exchange information with the other driver, including insurance information. If you have any injuries, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
After an accident, it’s imperative that you collect the names and numbers of people who witnessed the accident. You should also take pictures of the scene from all angles, including any vehicles involved in the accident, as well as street signs, traffic signals, and lighting conditions. The most important thing is to stay calm and try to resolve the situation in the best way possible.
If the other driver seems to be impaired, it is a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. These options vary by state, but a lawyer will be able to help.
How A Lawyer Can Help
A lawyer can help you decide your next steps after a drunk driving accident, such as whether to pursue legal action or come to an agreement outside of court.
You may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the driver who hit you to recover your damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If the driver who hit you is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), you may be entitled to victim restitution.
If you are the victim of a drunk driver, you may be entitled to sue for punitive damages. These types of damages aim to punish and prevent future bad behavior and should be sought after any time someone is injured in a drunk driving accident where the at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely pay for the settlement.
It may not seem fair, but just because the other driver was intoxicated, it may not be enough to show they were responsible for the accident. If you want to sue an impaired driver, you must show that the crash was caused by their intoxication and not some other factor. According to the experts at https://slgaccidentattorneys.com, this is where a personal injury lawyer can really help.
Immediately following an accident caused by drinking, there are steps you can take to help your case and protect yourself. Calling a lawyer is not cheating or taking advantage of a bad situation. Sometimes, you really need someone on your side.
